It’s no secret that non-alcoholic (NA) drinks have exploded over the last few years. Shelves are packed with options, from alcohol-free wines to zero-proof spirits. But behind the glossy labels and fast-moving trends, producers are running into a new reality: the market’s more crowded, the rules are more confusing, and it’s getting harder to stand out in beverage development.

Let’s break down what’s happening in the NA space for producers and what you can do to stay ahead.

There’s a Glut, Not Just Growth

The truth? There are a lot of NA beverages on the market right now. After a few years of intense demand, producers rushed in, flooding the space with new SKUs. But not all those products are sticking. Many lack solid flavor, clear positioning, or proper compliance. Retailers are trimming down their NA selections, and consumers are getting picky.

So if you’re thinking about launching (or reformulating), the key is quality and differentiation, not just being alcohol-free, but being better. This is where smart beverage development really matters.

Regulations Are… Complicated

Here’s where it gets tricky: the rules around what counts as “non-alcoholic” change depending on where you sell.

• In the U.S., anything under 0.5% ABV is generally okay to call NA.
• In Japan? It has to be 0.00%.
• Canada? Up to 1.1% ABV in some cases.
• The EU is still working on clearer definitions for cross-border products.

Some countries are making progress, like Spain and South Africa, which are both updating their labeling and production standards to support NA winemakers. But until there’s more global consistency, producers need to build legal compliance into product planning from day one.

ABV Levels: Why They Matter

Getting your ABV right is more than a labeling issue, it’s a flavor one, too. Going from 12% to 0.5% (or lower) without ruining the taste? That’s a science.

At BevZero, we use vacuum distillation at very low temps, which lets us gently remove alcohol without stripping out the good stuff (aroma, mouthfeel, balance). Whether you’re aiming for “no alcohol” (<0.5%) or “low alcohol” (think lifestyle wines), the method you choose will shape how your final product tastes, and whether it complies with regional laws.

Labeling Isn’t Just a Design Thing

Labeling has become a hot topic. Different markets require different things:

• Some demand you say how the alcohol was removed.
• Others regulate what phrases you can’t use (like “wine” in certain NA products).
• Functional ingredients (like adaptogens or botanicals)? They come with their own set of rules.

Oh, and nutritional panels? Consumers expect them now, and in some regions, they’re legally required. We help clients through this maze by including certified nutrition info and regulatory guidance in our development packages.

A Shift Toward Turnkey Partnerships

Here’s what we’re seeing more of: producers who want a one-stop-shop. Instead of piecing together suppliers, labs, and co-packers, they’re coming to BevZero for everything from product formulation to dealcoholization to packaging help.

That’s where we shine. Whether you’re a boutique winery expanding into NA or launching your very first alcohol-free brand, we’ve got a system to help:

• Concept to formula
• Ingredient sourcing
• Aroma and flavor retention
• Regulatory support
• Full project management
• Dealcoholization down to <0.02% ABV

We even offer white and private label NA wine programs, ready-made or fully custom, for faster speed to market.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’re feeling unsure about where to go in the NA space right now, you’re not alone. The market is still growing, but it’s shifting and that means producers need to be smarter, not just faster.

Here’s your short list:

• Know your target ABV per market and build your formula around it.
• Choose your dealcoholization method wisely it’ll define your flavor and shelf stability.
• Label it right every word counts.
• Partner with experts because no one’s doing this successfully alone anymore.

At BevZero, we live and breathe this stuff. We’ve helped launch dozens of non-alcoholic wines, beers, ciders, and spirits and we’re ready to help you, too.

Ready to Bring Your New Product to Life? Let’s Make it Happen

At BevZero, we help you build a better product from the ground up. Whether you’re refining an existing beverage or launching a brand new alcohol-free line, our team of experts can guide you every step of the way. From custom beverage development and world class dealcoholization to co-packing and white/private label programs, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Let’s create something remarkable. Contact BevZero online today or send us an email at [email protected] to start your next NA project, from brainstorm to bottle.